DOJ asked to probe NPA extortion in campaign activities

Akbayan Representative Risa Hontiveros. Cathy MIranda/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Akbayan Chairperson Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday asked the Department of Justice (DoJ) to investigate the so-called checkpoints set up by the New People’s Army and its collection of a fee for permit to campaign and then file the appropriate charges.

Hontiveros, a senatorial candidate of Team PNoy filed the complaint with the DoJ, citing its jurisdiction under Section 265 of Batas Pambansa Bilang 881 to prosecute election related offenses.

In her letter complaint, Hontiveros said that the NPA’s extortion activities and use of violence violated election laws.

Citing the attack against Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie Guingona, she said, “These acts are clear violations of our election laws, which prohibit the use of threats, intimidation, terrorism and other coercive tools to influence the conduct and the result of elections.”

“In accordance with the policies issued by the people’s democratic government, the New People’s Army (NPA) can setup checkpoints or roadblocks as part of its retinue of measures to maintain peace and order and ensure the protection of the rights and welfare of the masses against the dirty and violent conduct of the reactionary elections.”

“Commands of the NPA and Party committees at various levels can issue specific policies in order to ensure that these checkpoints and other similar forcible measures are conducted only against the most notorious armed political scoundrels who violently oppose the policies of the people’s government. Furthermore, the NPA can reach deep into its rich experience to employ a broad range of tactics to compel reactionary political candidates to abide by the policies of the people’s government without resorting to the use of armed force,” Hontiveros said.